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Best 5G phone Service on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile plan
Tello 2GB plan
![Image of cell phone with Tello Image of cell phone with Tello](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/Tello-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about T-Mobile MVNOs: best carriers on the T-Mobile network.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
![Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/Mint-Mobile-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all of their plans. So you can use your phone to tether to tablets or other mobile devices, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means cheaper prices. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- If you're unsatisfied, Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to buy an expensive iPhone. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are many options available, including iPhones, Samsung, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily monitor your usage and manage multiple lines and plans.
- One downside is that international roaming is an additional cost, and although you get free calls to Canada and Mexico, other international countries are extra.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
![Image of cell phone with Tello Image of cell phone with Tello](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/Tello-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() *$45 for 3 Months
|
![]() |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
$75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
$900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.1 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Best 5G phone Service on Verizon
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon plan
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
![Image of cell phone with Twigby Mobile Image of cell phone with Twigby Mobile](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/Twigby-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Twigby Mobile phone plans give you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. They have a range of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
Plus, if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby Mobile offers free international calling to 80 countries. Check out our review about Verizon MVNOs: best carriers on the Verizon network.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- eSIM compatible
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Offering a selection of customizable wireless plans with a range of data options, with Twigby Mobile, you can create plans, whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- Being 100% online based, you can purchase your plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- Twigby Mobile doesn't offer multi-line discounts, so if you're looking for more than one line, they may not be the low-cost carrier for you.
- There are no international roaming services, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers as it could result in a significantly higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
US Mobile 10GB plan
![Image of cell phone with US Mobile Image of cell phone with US Mobile](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/US-Mobile-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
US Mobile phone plans offer affordable deals on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, with good customer service and customizable options. You can build the best phone plans to suit specific needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, they don't lock you into any long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch whenever you like. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- US Mobile stands out with its exceptional customer service, offering 24/7 support by phone or online chat.
- Try before you buy on a 50-day trial period.
- Mobile hotspot data allowance is dependent on the unlimited plan you choose. You'll get either 5 GB, 10 GB, or 50 GB.
- With their family plans, you can save hundreds of dollars on your cell phone bill by adding multiple lines. The more lines you add, the more discount you receive.
- For extra perks, US Mobile offers streaming services like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more, with an unlimited prepaid plan and at least three additional lines.
- Available to new and existing US Mobile customers with an unlimited plan and at least three additional lines. You'll need to pay for the subscription yourself and verify it every three months for a maximum of 12 months. The extra cost will be credited to your account via Autopay.
- They may not be the best option for frequent travelers seeking reliable international coverage. Their add-on packages for roaming can be expensive, and their international calling features may not be as competitive as other carriers.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
US Mobile unlimited data plan
![Image of cell phone with US Mobile Image of cell phone with US Mobile](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/US-Mobile-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
US Mobile phone plans offer affordable deals on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, with good customer service and customizable options. You can build the best phone plans to suit specific needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, they don't lock you into any long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch whenever you like. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
The table below demonstrates that choosing the US Mobile unlimited data plan would save you $630 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
![]() *$210 for 12 Mths
|
![]() *30 Day FREE Trial
|
Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
$75/mo | $5/mo* | $18/mo* | $15/mo* |
$900/yr | $150/yr | $216/yr | $270/yr |
1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
Annual savings | $750/yr | $684/yr | $630/yr |
Best 5G phone Service on AT&T
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Cheap AT&T plan
Red Pocket 1GB plan
![Image of cell phone with Red Pocket Image of cell phone with Red Pocket](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/Red-Pocket-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about AT&T MVNOs: best carriers on the AT&T network.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- With Red Pocket Mobile, not only are their plans straightforward with no hidden fees, but they also offer features like unlimited talk and text.
- Get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance with the unlimited plan.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Being able to save on the whole family's bill is a benefit. You get a $20 discount for each additional line added. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
![Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/Boost-Mobile-logo-on-phone_w101_h200.png)
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's prepaid plans come with unlimited calling and text.
- If you use a lot of data, unlimited plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- Most plans include mobile hotspot data, but be sure to check. The allowance depends on the plan, but the maximum is 30GB, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, so you can save on a plan for the whole family.
- When it comes to devices, they provide a wide range of phones to choose from. Including the latest models from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, with financing options of 0% financing over 1-2 years. Helping to make it affordable to purchase a new phone.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. Their international roaming options are limited compared to other carriers, and international calls are an extra add-on, which means you'll have to pay extra if you want to make calls to friends and family overseas.
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Boost Mobile unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | |
---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() *$25/mo forever
|
Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | Unlimited data |
$75/mo | $10/mo | $25/mo* |
$900/yr | $120/yr | $300/yr |
1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot |
Annual savings | $780/yr | $600/yr |
Best overall value 5G phone service
Tello unlimited data plan
![Image of cell phone with Tello Image of cell phone with Tello](https://www.moneysavingpro.com/img/resize/Tello-logo-on-phone_w102_h200.png)
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about the 10 best MVNOs.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the best 5G phone plan
What network coverage do you prefer?
Network access is a key consideration wherever you live, but especially in rural areas. Luckily, low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a particular network you prefer, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely your cellular data usage will be much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning you can pay less if you use less. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.
Is hotspot data included?
Most carriers allow hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans so you can access the internet on mobile devices like iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots when Wi-Fi's not available.
What's the monthly price?
While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers include these in the price, and others, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.
How many lines do you need?
With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer an affordable and easy way with 0% financing over 1-2 years.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Many MVNOs offer short-term introductory promotional pricing for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.
What perks or add ons can I expect?
Most big wireless plans include "free" TV subscriptions. Initially, these seem like a great deal. However, these usually turn into a paid subscription that is automatically added to your bill a few months down the line. A few low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, do offer plan options with free subscription services, but we generally recommend keeping these subscriptions separate so you don't end up paying for things you don't need.
Is international calling included?
Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this.
Are there parental controls?
Some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) provide parental controls that allow parents to monitor their children's cell phone usage and data consumption. By using these features, you have the ability to establish limits on data usage, limit access to specific apps or websites, and even keep track of your child's whereabouts. These capabilities are accessible either through subscription plans or can be adjusted in the settings of your mobile device.
Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
Compare the cheapest 5G phone plans
Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* |
$225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
|
Tello | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* |
$150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
US Mobile | 10GB | $18/mo* | $216/yr | $684/yr | See at US Mobile
*$210 for 12 Mths
|
US Mobile | Unlimited | $15/mo* |
$270/yr | $630/yr | See at US Mobile
*30 Day FREE Trial
|
Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
Boost Mobile | Unlimited | $25/mo* | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Boost Mobile
*$25/mo forever
|
5G phone service FAQs
Tello and Twigby Mobile currently have the cheapest cell phone plans, starting at $10 a month.
Mint Mobile offers the cheapest unlimited everything plan starting at $30.
5G plan guides
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